opinions on a puzzling '96 LT4
04-22-2014, 05:07 PM
#1
Advanced
Thread Starter
opinions on a puzzling '96 LT4
What would you guys think of a 96 convertible with a LT4 and a automatic trans? engine swap? or is it possible for it to be factory?
04-22-2014, 05:35 PM
#2
Le Mans Master
Engine or transmission swap. All LT4's were 6 speeds from the factory.
The vin should have the 8th digit a "P" for an LT1 or a "5" for a LT4.
Are you sure it is an LT4?. Check inside the oil fill on the passenger side. You should be able to see the casting mark "LT4" and also see the roller rockers.
The vin should have the 8th digit a "P" for an LT1 or a "5" for a LT4.
Are you sure it is an LT4?. Check inside the oil fill on the passenger side. You should be able to see the casting mark "LT4" and also see the roller rockers.
04-22-2014, 06:09 PM
#4
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Thread Starter
04-22-2014, 07:04 PM
#5
Le Mans Master
It's not a factory LT4 unless someone swapped an engine later on and you couldn't order an LT4 with an auto from GM.
04-22-2014, 08:17 PM
#6
Race Director
Engine or transmission swap. All LT4's were 6 speeds from the factory.
The vin should have the 8th digit a "P" for an LT1 or a "5" for a LT4.
Are you sure it is an LT4?. Check inside the oil fill on the passenger side. You should be able to see the casting mark "LT4" and also see the roller rockers.
The vin should have the 8th digit a "P" for an LT1 or a "5" for a LT4.
Are you sure it is an LT4?. Check inside the oil fill on the passenger side. You should be able to see the casting mark "LT4" and also see the roller rockers.
As noted, check the VIN
That will tell you how it left the factory.
Most dealers selling "used" cars don't really know as much about them as they want you to think.
Lots of people put LT4 badges on the rear or center console, and if the dealer saw those they very likely advertised it as an LT4 car.
By the way, none of those badges would be factory either.
04-22-2014, 08:19 PM
#7
Race Director
04-23-2014, 08:42 AM
#8
Le Mans Master
04-23-2014, 12:34 PM
#9
Race Director
I'll never be able to find the post, but there was a member here who had a '96 Grand Sport that had an automatic transmission swap done.
The post was several years ago though.
I can't remember if he did the swap, or it was done prior to his purchase.
There isn't anything special about the LT4 engine that would prevent this, as it is the same block as the LT1.
But in the case of this car sitting on a used car lot, it is much more likely that it is just an LT1 car being falsely advertised as an LT4.
The post was several years ago though.
I can't remember if he did the swap, or it was done prior to his purchase.
There isn't anything special about the LT4 engine that would prevent this, as it is the same block as the LT1.
But in the case of this car sitting on a used car lot, it is much more likely that it is just an LT1 car being falsely advertised as an LT4.
04-23-2014, 01:56 PM
#10
Racer
04-23-2014, 02:19 PM
#11
Race Director
04-23-2014, 05:07 PM
#12
Le Mans Master
My wife has had a few knee surgeries and it usually hurts to use a clutch (although our Corvettes are 6 speeds
) so she doesn't drive them very often.
04-24-2014, 06:35 PM
#13
Racer
It's just my opinion. I own a GS and couldn't imagine altering a limited edition car in that way. If for any reason I was ot able to drive iti think I would sell it and buy an auto.
Again I didn't mean to offend anyone. Just my opinion.
04-25-2014, 08:56 AM
#14
Le Mans Master
I'll never be able to find the post, but there was a member here who had a '96 Grand Sport that had an automatic transmission swap done.
The post was several years ago though.
I can't remember if he did the swap, or it was done prior to his purchase.
There isn't anything special about the LT4 engine that would prevent this, as it is the same block as the LT1.
But in the case of this car sitting on a used car lot, it is much more likely that it is just an LT1 car being falsely advertised as an LT4.
The post was several years ago though.
I can't remember if he did the swap, or it was done prior to his purchase.
There isn't anything special about the LT4 engine that would prevent this, as it is the same block as the LT1.
But in the case of this car sitting on a used car lot, it is much more likely that it is just an LT1 car being falsely advertised as an LT4.
) but for some reason I think it was done at the dealership and not factory delivered that way. Although why would be baffling, cheaper to turn an LT1 into an LT4 by swapping a few engine parts .
04-25-2014, 09:08 AM
#15
Team Owner
I'll never be able to find the post, but there was a member here who had a '96 Grand Sport that had an automatic transmission swap done.
The post was several years ago though.
I can't remember if he did the swap, or it was done prior to his purchase.
There isn't anything special about the LT4 engine that would prevent this, as it is the same block as the LT1.
But in the case of this car sitting on a used car lot, it is much more likely that it is just an LT1 car being falsely advertised as an LT4.
The post was several years ago though.
I can't remember if he did the swap, or it was done prior to his purchase.
There isn't anything special about the LT4 engine that would prevent this, as it is the same block as the LT1.
But in the case of this car sitting on a used car lot, it is much more likely that it is just an LT1 car being falsely advertised as an LT4.
The real way to tell if the car the OP is looking at has an LT4 is to check the 8th digit of the VIN.
04-25-2014, 12:17 PM
#16
Race Director
You can make a GS clone I guess, but you'll never pass it off as a real GS because of the unique VIN.
If you wanted a GS and had to have an automatic, a trans swap was the only way.
I remember that thread some years ago. I had also heard that a '96 with an LT4 was built for a GM manager who wanted it for his wife and she wanted the LT4 but with an A4 in the car. The car was built with the 6-speed but a trans swap was done prior to the car leaving the BG factory. The A4 was not installed on the assembly line.
Can't seem to find that article now.
Yep, that is the only way to tell what it left the factory as.
04-25-2014, 12:31 PM
#17
Le Mans Master
GS aside, I'm referring to upgrading the LT1 to have the same ponies under the hood as an LT4, cheaper to do part swap than an engine swap and/or tranny swap. I would not do a tranny swap on a GS, this is one of the Corvette models that I see appreciating in coming years due to its limited production...basically killing a future classic! IMHO
